320x200

Mainstream Artist

Posts : 1113Gender : Join date : 2010-07-22

porcupine_tree wrote:Well, to be honest being Catholic I'm actually insulted that the girls were using the rosary as a fashion accessory and that really upsets me... the rosary is a sacred and fundamental part of Catholicism (and perhaps Christianity as a whole I guess) and it is used to bless the sick and dying, and also in prayer when we recite the Rosary. Overall, what I'm saying is that the rosary should be treated with respect and reverence not as some fashion trend of the week to be discarded when one tire of it. I've lost a little respect for SCANDAL, irregardless of the Japanese religious subculture. Sorry guys, it's my own view so don't get mad (although some of you might)

I would never tell anyone how to feel about something, but just try to remember that the rosary is sacred to you because of your beliefs, and people who share your beliefs should share your views towards the rosary. However, people with different beliefs can't be expected to share your views exactly or be expected to follow your rules. I'm not trying to be mean at all, just trying show an idea that was shown to me, that people within a particular group have rules about things that people outside that group shouldn't be expected to follow, as their beliefs are different.

That being said, if you think about it, their use of the rosary is flattering in a way, because your sacred symbol is so cool that they want to wear it to be cool too.

IIRC on twitter Tomomi mentioned something about christianity, but my Japanese is way too bad to say for certain what she meant.

LieAnn

International Performer

Posts : 5285Gender : Join date : 2010-08-13

Now, now guys don't be so serious about this stuff.. As bigOeyes said, Religion and Politics are touchy subjects (I always turn off the TV or change the channel when the news is about these stuff). I created this topic out of mere curiosity, not to create any misconception about SCANDAL's religious views or misunderstanding among us SH members.. So please let's stick to the topic, right? If you have any information about this stuff, feel free to post it here! Any info, big or small, will be appreciated! Thanks!

rollingproject wrote:uhm, i guess there's a saying in japan that they are "born Shinto,marry a Christian and die a Buddhist".

but im 70% sure that they would marry in a Christian way, cause every girl is always fascinated with the light-colored flowing gown.hahaha!

^ Hahaha SCANDAL being so girly.. I think they'll marry this way.. Hahahaha..

Paladinoras

Indie Artist

Posts : 593Gender : Join date : 2010-05-22

I never remembered any of the SCANDAL girls saying anything religious or political in nature...ever. Blog, or otherwise. They are a girl-band guys, come on now, do you seriously expect them to take those kinds of things seriously? XD

takuya

Caless Student

Posts : 22Gender : Join date : 2010-10-22

If you ask me, I think for most East Asian, Japanese included, religion is incorporated into their custom and culture. (I'm saying this as a Chinese) Personally, I don't really see burning incense to our ancestor as a religion. And I do believe in this region (South East Asia), they do so regardless of their religion. Although, some other do believe otherwise. Hope I did not offend anyone up to this point.

Anyways, as you can tell, I'm pretty open minded when it comes to religion, so I wouldn't care what are the girl's. Besides, I'm here to listen to their music, not criticize their religion.

tenjounokaze

Indie Artist

Posts : 447Gender : Join date : 2010-11-03

I love the back-and-forth fighting over Mami - so entertaining.

The speculation that everyone is sharing is rather interesting. But I wonder if those of you who believe they're Christian know that in Buddhism, they use a similar type of prayer beads called "juzu" or "nenju"? (Learn more [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]) Sometimes (altho very rare), Japanese youth will wear these either as a fashion accessory, or as a memento of a trip to a famous temple, or because they are actually committed Buddhists. Traditionally, they are used when reciting sutras in order to maintain concentration.

As to the girls' religious affiliation, I doubt they are Christian simply because it is very very unlikely. In Japan, 1% or less of the population are Christian according to government records. Because religion was utilized by the militarists before and during the Second World War to forcefully commit the population to a blind loyalty to the Emperor, I believe a general move towards de-emphasizing religion took place after the war ended. The US-led occupation that established Japan's current constitution included full Freedom of Religion, but the Japanese people seemingly just don't care about exploring new religion. Hence, the Christian population in Japan remains insignificantly low.

Otherwise, people have already said it, so I will just sum it up - the girls for sure go to temple every New Years, give presents on Christmas, don't know what Easter is, most likely dream about wearing a white dress and getting married (not necessarily in a chapel, and not even with a minister - they often do marriage ceremonies that involve signing "contracts" at famous hotels and resorts), and pray at Shinto shrines whenever they feel like they need good luck. I say all this because I'm sure they are just like so many other girls from central and western Japan. Except they are an accomplished, utterly awesome rock band.

kylelaluces

The rosaries they wore on "TaiKimi" got me thinking for a while, too. But whatever they believe in, it will never change how I look at the band.

As far as wearing the rosaries are concerned, well... For me, it isn't desecration unless it is deliberate. From what I understand in my religion class years ago (Another Catholic here, BTW, and a graduate of a Catholic school), desceration means the deliberate act of disrespect towards religious articles, including their misuse.

But "misuse" can be a vague term as well. I've seen rosaries worn around their necks, on their wrists (a miniature version which functions as a bracelet and a "mini-rosary" because there are only 10 beads on it), and even on their fingers as a ring. But steering away from the rosary for a little bit, there's a more basic example: the Cross. There are a lot of people who wear crosses around their necks, somewhat turning it into an accessory. Is it desecration? In my opinion, I don't think so because wearing the cross could be an act of expressing one's faith externally. But unless it is used to deliberately disrespect what that object means and what it stands for, then that would be desecration.

Anyway. Going back... If SCANDAL were Catholics, I would have no problem with their wearing of the rosary so as long as they understand what it is for. If they're not, well I'm sure they didn't mean to offend anyone by wearing it since they might not know what it is used for. But either way -- as someone here puts it rather perfectly -- "SCANDAL will still be SCANDAL." :)

320x200

Mainstream Artist

Posts : 1113Gender : Join date : 2010-07-22

An interesting video about religion in Japan: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

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coolpanda

greenman9622

Caless Student

Posts : 53Gender : Join date : 2011-02-18

coolpanda wrote:All of they are catholic ?

Wow, didn't you read another posts?

Yeah, Japanese are so flexible in Religion. They are born and raised in Shinto, they married in a church, and they are buried with Buddhist ceremony. Most Japanese that has a specific religion because they are married with foreigner and convert to his/her husband/wife religion. I know this because one of my friend in school is Japanese, but he's a muslim